This programme provides professional training that leads to eligibility for registration as a counselling psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council and chartered status with the British Psychological Society.
Duration
3 years (full-time)
6 years (part-time)
Number of Credits
PsychD: 120 credits at Level 7 plus 420 credits at Level 8 (Doctoral)
Start date
September 2023
Degree Type
PsychD
Modules
Why this course
The PsychD programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
You will be taught by a team of experienced practitioners and trainers, including leading international figures in the field.
The programme offers a variety of opportunities to undertake clinical placements and research projects including at Roehampton's CREST clinic.
The programme provides high levels of support for trainees' clinical and research development and an emphasis on employability.
Your curriculum
This programme is at the leading edge of international developments in counselling psychology practice, research and theory; and brings together contemporary understandings from person-centred psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural models of therapy. There is a strong emphasis on your identity and employability as a practitioner psychologist, including skills in assessment and formulation, leadership, service evaluation, psychological testing, qualitative and quantitative research methods. The programme attracts a diverse group of trainees who have gained relevant experience in fields such as counselling and psychotherapy, research and academia, and the NHS, and who are passionate about becoming counselling psychologists.
The course is based on a pluralistic relational philosophy that values diversity, and promotes individual empowerment and social change. This means that we respect and value a wide range of approaches to psychological intervention and research, view relationships as central to wellbeing, and seek to enable trainees to make a positive difference both at an individual and social level through their clinical and research work.
Key information
The main round of interviews for the programme will take place in Spring 2023. To be considered for these interviews, applicants should apply as soon as possible.
Before submitting an application all candidates must read the full Programme Outline and entry requirements - full-time here, part-time here.
Please read our FAQ page prior to applying.
To apply for this programme, applicants should click on the 'apply for this course' link and submit an online application via the 'Postgraduate taught programmes' tab.
How you'll learn
In years one and two as a trainee, you will focus on gaining clinical experience working in person-centred and psychodynamic models of therapy respectively. In year three, you will have the option of gaining experience working in a cognitive-behavioural, integrative or pluralistic model. By the end of the programme, you will have completed a minimum requirement of 450 supervised client hours in a range of placement settings.
Starting in your second year, you will work towards the production of a doctoral portfolio to showcase and integrate your learning as a counselling psychologist, across both professional practice and research domains. The portfolio contains elements, such as research papers, that you will be encouraged to submit for publication, thus further enhancing your professional contribution and employability.
During your training, you will develop key transferable skills as a practitioner psychologist, in research, psychological testing, service evaluation, team working and leadership. Your development will be closely supported and monitored throughout the programme, using formative and summative assessment, involving clinical tutors and research supervisors.
Upcoming Events:
Career options
Graduates go on to work as art therapists in fields including healthcare, education, adult mental health and the third sector. They work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals.
How our careers service supports you
Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. We will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers.
Application Info
How to apply
Postgraduate programmes
You can now apply for any programme for any entry point in 2023.
All postgraduate taught applications can be made via our online application form.
- Check our application deadlines
- View our entry requirements for postgraduate programmes
- View our general entry criteria and application FAQs below
If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.
International students
Please note that most international applicants have to pay a deposit before securing their place.
- See our Finance pages for more details
Specific Entry Requirements
View specific entry requirements
Please read our FAQ page prior to applying.
Application deadline 28th February 2023.
Validation and curriculum review
What is validation?
Validation is a formal process through which the University approves a programme (content, teaching, learning and assessment) as being of appropriate standard and quality. This is a normal process used throughout the university sector.
The University expects to publish details of the validated programme in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.
What is curriculum review?
Curriculum review is the regular and systematic monitoring and reviewing of programmes. It is a normal process in the sector and it is the way by which the university ensures that your course remains up-to-date and relevant. The process may result in changes to the content, structure and/or assessment of the programme.
The University expects to publish details of the re-validated programme by 31 March in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.
Need help before you apply?
Course Facilities
Our Research
For an overview of the research carried out by psychology academics within the School of Psychology, please visit the departmental research pages.
Our Students
“The chance to study under some of the best practitioners in this field made the Roehampton course stand out from others”.
Anna Turner, PsychD Counselling Psychology
Related courses
Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy
Find out more